On Your Mark, Get Set, Read about Local Athletes!

Sam Link Jun 8, 2016

The area around Greater Clarks Hill Regional library is known for the Masters golf tournament, but more than golfers have ties to the local area.

Baseball legend Ty Cobb made his home in Augusta for many years. The biography Ty Cobb: Safe At Homecovers his early life in the area, as well as his retirement in Augusta, in an effort to explain his bitterness and irascible temper, and how much of that is more myth than fact. Written by local author Don Rhodes, it makes a notable supplement to a larger biography of “The Georgia Peach.”

In contrast to Cobb, UFC Hall of Famer Forrest Griffin is known for his good sportsmanship, sense of humor, and outgoing personality. He grew up in Martinez – literally just down the street from my childhood home. His book on mixed martial arts, Got Fight?: The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat, captures his passion for the sport and his unique personality, with the “Vault of Supersecret Techniques” chapter demonstrating how to defend yourself against a “vicious” Chihuahua (among other ludicrous self-defense situations).

In addition to these two, the local area has been home to Junior National Champion gymnast Bailie Key, world champion boxer Vernon Forrest, NFL Hall of Fame kicker Ray Guy, sports entertainment icon Hulk Hogan, and – of course – many famous golfers. Even if they don’t have their own biographies, you can still research and learn about their stories at Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library.